con-tain-it

FIVE Quick & Easy Ways to Organize Your Recipes

This post is actually a "re-post" from last year and it is located here on my Love Shack Larder blog.  However,  I wanted to share it again here on Love Shack Baby because Cheryl of Tidy Mom is asking everyone to share the ways that they organize their recipes for I'm Lovin' It Fridays!  Also I hope that it would also serve my readers better, when looking for organization ideas, to be able to find these tips here as well.

Yesterday I found this wonderful post on The Pioneer Woman's site and after reading it I just HAD TO DO A FEW THINGS!  First I just had to share this recipe...

 **Photo from here. 

with my niece, Cortney who loves fall and she is having this big GIVEAWAY this month on her blog, Living & Loving in California to celebrate it.

Then, I had to (had to ;) share this with everyone...because how often to you see yourself in writing...

Because you see, my mom’s “recipes” amount to two enormous—like, the most gargantuan I’ve ever seen—three-ring binders stuffed with plastic sleeves that contain every wonderful, fabulous recipe she’s used since The Dark Ages, or at least since around 1968. She still collects and tests recipes, so her plastic sleeves are updated with modern, interesting foods.

Now you see it...Now you don't!

The Library Table That Is...a Ballard's Exclusive ;}

Boy I sure wish all of this downsizing was as easy as waving a magic wand...but it's not.

What can I say...other than "the idea of it"  was better than the reality!  Mainly because it always became a catch-all for everything as we came in the door.  The longer we live here and realize that we need less and less, the easier it is to get rid of stuff!  Like the little red plant stand that use to sit in this corner by the front door...it has been given away.  And now, this corner holds my scrapbooking bookcase...much better use of space.

What your mess says about you...

Read these articles today on AOL's Shelter Pop and found them to be very enlightening!  First up is an article by author and environmental psychologist Sally Augustin, PhD, who shares What the Location of Your Mess Says About You.  She covers several areas such as; the Entryway, the Living Room, the Dining Room, the Bedroom or Bathroom and my messiest...the Kitchen.

There is a shrine in my closet...

At least that is what DH is calling my memorabilia that I've hung up on the wall in my closet...and I must say that he is right!  {write this down honey ;}  Months ago, when I was completing The {21} Purge, I pulled out a small basket from underneath my bed on Day 13 and talked about how "some day" I was going to get around to displaying my clothes from when I was a child in Africa and Taiwan.  Well this weekend I decided was the time...since we had so much rain...to tackle this long, awaited project.  As Toni says...one project at a time!

 

You have to look forward. You have to begin telling the story of where you are going, not where you have been!

Chalk Talk:  Studio Sneak Peek Friday...nothing like a little blog party to get me motivated...

That and alot of rainy weather...Mother Nature is really PMSing...as someone commented ;)

So since I couldn't go out and play...I decided to finally tackle a project that I had been inspired to do for some time...that is creating a magnetic, chalk board, inspiration wall in my studio!

When we first moved into the Love Shack I had bought a couple of white ledges from IKEA because I was so inspired by the ones in their store displays.  But then after moving in...I got so overwhelmed with not having ENOUGH wall space that I lost my inspiration and put the ledges on the back burner. Actually they were on top of my dryer in my laundry room right where I'd see them every day to remind me to get off my head around it!

Typical Tuesday: 3 Steps to Organizing Your Closets

Andrew Mellen (a.k.a. Virgoman;) is one of my favorite professional organizers and I was thrilled to see him as a recent guest on the Nate Berkus Show where he was helping one guest organize her closet:

 Andrew sums up the process of organizing your closets in three easy steps ;)

1. Empty: take everything out of the closet.
2. Sort: into like components and make decisions (ruthless editing)
3. Reload: location, location, location...most frequently used/worn items in the front (or the easiest places to find/get them). 

Typical Tuesday: The 43 Bag Toss

Today for Typical Tuesday I'm tackling One Project at a Time and TOSSING 43 PURGED PURSES from last week's {almost} custom closet make-over.  That's right...I said 43...woo hoo!  I can't tell you how good it feels to get rid of more stuff!  I am so over having to have it all...cause you know what...it all comes with it's own baggage ;}  Sorry...had to go there!  What I'm talking about is that it requires a lot of your time, your space and (let's not forget) MONEY to buy and then maintain all of this stuff!  So without further ado...I give you the 43 Bag Toss...

1.  First Up...what's black, white and red all over...

2.  Followed by 3 sets of matching totes and purses...the gold set was never used ;{

3.  Lots of brown, black and tan bags...take your pick!

I'm Lovin' It: Studio Sneak Peek

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well it's been one heck of a week around here at the Love Shack and I'm very happy to say...T.G.I.F.

I'm Lovin' It that it's Friday and that it's Sneak Peek Friday in the studio at (in)courage and that I can finally reveal my studio makeover with you. It's also Follow Friday for all of us 40 and Over bloggers! Remember the big HOT MESS that I had created when I decided to make-over my closet?

Well before I tore apart my IKEA desk so that I could use the bookcases in my closet...here is what my studio area looked like before...

WFMW: {Almost} Custom Closet Makeover BIG REVEAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I Heart Organizing along with Jen and IKEA shoe cupboards and expedite bookcases are what Works-for-Me this Wednesday as I share and link-up my {Almost} Custom Closet makeover with you all today.

Here's a reminder of what the BEFORE looked like...

And now...drumroll please...the AFTER!

Typical Tuesday: Closet Makeover

Don't even think about it...just do it! 

That is the only way that I know of to get started on a big project.  Otherwise if I think about it too much then I just might talk myself out of doing it all together.  Anyone else out there in blogland who can relate?  Case in point for me this week is tackling my bedroom closet.  Yesterday, what started out as a PURGE of my bags, has now turned into a total closet makeover and now I'm in the middle of a much bigger mess than I had anticipated.  BUT that's okay because the end result is going to be so worth it!

 

 

 

First I pulled down all of the boxes that I use to store and organize my bags.  Which made me count them...over 100...and just confirmed that I definetly need to purge them.  The reality is that my lifestyle has changed and I just do not use them like I use to because I'm not working out of my home and going into an office and changing out my bags and out-fits anymore.  I used ONE purse all winter that was a combination of black/brown leather so that I didn't have to worry about which color clogs I threw on ;) 

Meet Me On Monday! It's a hot mess around here...

A few weeks ago I lifted this photo off the internet (I believe it was from Apartment Therapy but not sure...my bad ;) and printed it and placed it on my refrigerator where I lusted after it every day!

 

Always thinking about HOW I could incorporate this idea SOMEWHERE in my closet...

Typical Tuesday: Simple Steps for Spring Cleaning Bookshelves

Spring is in the air and it makes everyone want to open up their windows and let the clean air in while they freshen up their surroundings.  Last week while I was on my blogging sabbatical in recognition of, For Japan With Love, I decided to use my time off wisely.  On a side-note...the For Japan With Love fundraiser MORE than exceeded their original $5,000.00 goal within the first days and as of today they have received over $60,000.00 in donations...woo hoo!  You have until March 31st if you would still like to help this wonderful program.

So I decided to tackle a project that I'd been putting off for some time...purging my VHS tapes and making better use of my bookshelves.  It must be Spring Fever because one of my blogging buddies, Denyse of My Crazy Beautiful Life, was also re-organizing her bookshelves this week and blogged about how It Never Ends!  {Boy can I relate ;}  There is only one way to handle this...just dig in and tackle it one shelf at at time.  As Toni of, a bowl full of Lemons, explains it in her new weekly LINK PARTY called "One Project at at Time" where every Tuesday you can strut your stuff!

It began with ONE bookcase and eventually morphed into revamping THREE bookcases...the primary subject in the photo below shows ALL of the VHS tapes displayed next to my chair where I blog daily ;)

Once a Bag Hag...Now a Bag Lady

I'm Lovin' It after reading Organize with Sandy's  blog posts this week, I just had to resurrect this old slide-show!  As you are watching it be sure to pay close attention as I show off my favorite way to keep all of my bags organized.

 

                                              Please be patient as you wait for it to load ;)  

This Samsonite organizer is over 20 years old!   If you are like moi, and like to change your bag or tote to match whatever you are wearing...then you really would love one as well.  I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked, "where did you get that?"  AND I've only been able to respond with my story of how I got it at a Samsonite outlet store in New Hampshire when I first returned to the States over 24 years ago...yikes!

BUT now I can tell everyone where they can find themselves an even better solution...Organize With Sandy's...The Pouchee.

Now, anyone who knows me...knows...that I have an obsession with Vera Bradley bags and totes.  They are great because they have LOADS of pockets to stuff all of your stuff into as well.  However, there are never enough pockets AND switching purses can be time consuming if you tend to stuff the VB pockets with all of your essentials.  SO...I'm all for using The Pouchee just like my ole dependable {but soon ready to be retired ;} Samsonite organizer for my essentials so that I'm ready to make a quick transfer when the need arises.

Problem is...which color do I choose?  Especially since Sandy is having a special right now for all of her readers, going on only through March 31, 2011. Just head on over to her pouchee store and if you add the code “ORGANIZED PURSE” you will receive a 10% discount.

 

 

 

Really like the pink one and/or the orange one to go with my new VB Bag.

hmmm...decisions...decisions ;)

How about it...which one would you choose for your bag?

When you place your order, be sure to tell Sandy that {the bag hag ;} sentcha!

Fondly, Roberta

The Only Throne I'll Ever Sit On

Not that we have much room for a large throne here at the Love Shack ;)

The original is more like a stool and it was more than adequate and would never have been replaced had it not been for this baby...

Typical Tuesday...NOT...Try Something Different!

Take a Risk...If you don't like it...you can always go back to your old way of doing things.

Since January, when I saw this Medicine Cabinet Make-Over, I have been contemplating my medicine cabinet.  Part of me was very reluctant, I have to admit, because after-all...it's a brand new cabinet and really there is nothing wrong with it?

BEFORE...the inside is all nice and clean and there is plenty of room for all of our stuff...

But it was very brown {tan :} and it just didn't do it for me when I'd open up those doors every morning.  Not anymore...because I found some wonderful black and white damask wrapping paper at Michael's and decided to go for it...

WFMW: Managing Your Bank Statements & Monthly Receipts

A Quick & Easy Way to Organize ALL Your Cash & Credit Card Receipts

Since it is January and it is the time of year when everyone starts thinking about gathering their paperwork so they can prepare their income taxes, I thought it would be a great time to let you in on a quick and easy way to handle all of your monthly receipts.

Jen, of I Heart Organizing blogspot, has a wonderful challenge this month called Project Paper and she has some wonderful ideas on how to tackle ALL of your filing needs.  She is a fellow Label Queen and I love that about her ;)  So please hop on over and and join in on her challenge and find out more about what you need to keep and what can be tossed...Jen has provided some wonderful links for determining just what we NEED to keep for tax purposes.

Today however, I'm just going to share with you what Works-for-Me this Wednesday and every other day of the month and year for managing all those pesky receipts ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Typical Tuesday: More Fun Ways With Chalkboard Paint

 
Update: Linking up this previous post with WhisperWood Cottage blogspot for her fun Chalk Talk party...cause you all know that I'm just nuts about chalk board paint.  Be sure to hop on over and check out how creative the other bloggers are and be sure to tell Amy that Roberta sentcha!

Somebody Stop Me!  Because I sure as heck can't stop myself...that is...from painting everything with chalkboard paint ;)  Last week I was all excited about painting labels and I was so motivated to find these pens:

Chalk Ink® Markers produce a chalk look without a chalk mess.  They are versatile and write on multiple surfaces.  Non-toxic, water and pigment based.  They clean off most non-porous surfaces with water and a soft cloth.

 

You all should have seen me when I found them in Michael's...I was doing the happy dance in the isles...especially since I had a 50% off coupon!  So now I'm finding all sorts of surfaces to paint on to make the holidays special.

 

WFMW: Shaklee Makes Me One Scouring Fool...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few weeks ago Toni of A bowl full of lemons blogspot posted about how she cleaned her oven..naturally...

Toni used Shaklee's Scour Off™ Heavy Duty Paste and Basic H²® , all natural, simply green products...but what really impressed was how effortless these products made it.  So I went on line and found a great deal on the Get Clean® Healthy Home Pack.  Right now when you become a member you receive a 15% discount and through the end of December when you join you also received free shipping which was over $17.00 in additional savings ;)  So then I patiently waited for my Home Pack to arrive:

Typical Tuesday: 6 Fun Ways With Chalkboard Paint

Update: Linking up this previous post with WhisperWood Cottage blogspot for her fun Chalk Talk party...cause you all know that I'm just nuts about chalk board paint.  Be sure to hop on over and check out how creative the other bloggers are and be sure to tell Amy that Roberta sentcha!

 

Chalkboard Paint has always excited me when it comes to organizing anything in your home, office, studios and, of course, classrooms.  How can you not get excited over a paint medium that can be used on just about any type of surface (metal, wood, cardboard and plastic to name a few ;) AND that offers a writing surface that is NOT permanent so that if you change the function of your objects! 

Over the years I find more ways to use chalkboard paint in many FUN and inspiring ways. 

WFMW: How to Enjoy Your Christmas To-Do Lists...Every Year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So excited today because my Christmas Cards arrived as well as the 2011 Photos Calendar that I ordered for my Mom (it's okay she doesn't even know how to use the internet so she never reads my blog ;)

 
The photo on the cover is of my Mom, myself and my DH when we went home for a visit this past summer and we actually got my Mom to take a photo with us...came out great! 

So every year when I do my Christmas Cards I get out my RED kit case that holds my previous year's left-over cards as well as my Christmas Blank Books.  What? (You Ask)  They are blank books or journals that I use specifically for Christmas.  The taller maroon one with the angels on the cover is my Christmas Idea Book and the small floral one is an older Christmas Gift Register.

 

The {21] Purge: Day 21...You've Come A Long Way Baby!!!

 

Today is Day 21 of The {21} Purge!  Woo Hoo!  Today we cross the finish line and  Rhonna's FINAL message is:  "ok. now that we are at the end of the game....I get a little emotional!  Isn't it crazy how you look back & it seemed like we started just yesterday?  see? Now, each time you do another 21 Challenge, it will get easier. With each step...you will become even more amazing! You will become the kind of person you want to be."

 

Wow...there were some days that I didn't think this day would ever come ;)  Looking back over this {21} Challenge and the past three weeks...all's I can say to myself is...You've Come A Long Way Baby!!!

Today was my final day of PURGING and I plowed through the process of expelling all my RUBBER.  After sorting and bagging up all the sets that will be added to yesterday's sale, I found myself with all these EMPTY kit cases...woo hoo!

The (21) Purge: Day 20...Keep going...and give back!!

 Today is Day 20 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is:  "lest you think you can give up today...take a rest..or even get lazy...think again.  It's when we get lazy & think it's OK to 'rest'...that we slip back.  yes.  even one day. i tell ya!  I've had it happen to me!  so, don't let it happen to you!  On our road to success, we go forward or backward...we don't stay still.  Even when you take a day off, you are going backward...not forward.  If you've learned anything from this  I hope it's that when you take it one step at a time, and you are consistent...you will move forward & reach the destination you have been headed toward.  Keep going..."

OMG a day of rest...I wish!  I thought purging my clothes and getting out from under my bed and out of my closet was tough...oh boy...I'm at the end of my {21} Day Purge and asking myself again...WHY DID I START THIS???  Well...BECAUSE I just can't keep putting it off!  I just have to DEAL WITH IT...sorting and purging my MASSIVE Rubber Stamp Collection that is ;) 

The {21} Purge: Day 19...Filling the Need

Today is Day 19 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is:  "You are living your best YOU right. now.  Doesn't it feel amazing? Please, please remember how good it feels to do your best.  & then, strive for that every. day.  You are doing it.  And those of you that have said you fell off the wagon, or it's not easy, or you've given up...I have this for you: You are strong. You have it in you!  The only way you can live your dreams is by jumping back on that wagon & taking one step at a time.  No one else can do it for you. You must do it yourself.  You can do this if you really want it.  The question is: Do you really want it?  Just because we are on day 19 doesn't mean you can stop.  Girls...listen to me: You need to continue this journey! All of it is for naught if you just go back to your old ways. Stay on the road. Stay strong. Stay positive.  You can do it!"

November 27, 2010        THEN I READ MY HOROSCOPE FOR TODAY:
Filling the Need
Leo Daily Horoscope       

You may be feeling compulsive as you reach to fill a need within yourself today. In your obsessive frame of mind, you may find yourself making impulsive purchases. These feelings can come from a mind-body-spirit disconnect. We sense that we need something to restore balance. Since we have not tuned in to our inner state, however, we may not know what to do. So we reach outward to find something material to fill the gap we feel inside. Usually any satisfaction reached that way fades quickly, and we find ourselves seeking once again. Today you can choose to turn within and listen to the needs of your mind, body and spirit.

If we look at what we are drawn to buy we can get an idea of where we need to focus our attention. Purchases of clothing or other items to adorn our physical selves could be telling us that we need to nurture ourselves physically. Instead of shopping, we can take a walk outdoors to connect our physical self with the natural world. Buying books or electronics could mean we are seeking distraction from our mental state. We can take some time to meditate to remove ourselves from the chatter of our minds and regain some peace. After a time in the silence, we can listen to our inner guidance to discover where to point our attention. Perhaps a class or a project for charity would be a better use of our time, energy, and finances. However you restore balance within yourself today, you will feed the true needs of your whole being.

The {21} Purge: Day 18...Consistency is the Key!

Today is Day 18 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is: "day 18!*gulp*  it's true. only a few more days!!!!!  I've been having a lot of personal reflection on this round....I've so enjoyed this round...I'm not going to lie...I've had a lot going on in my personal life. At times...a little overwhelming & not sure I could 'keep it together'...but, this round of The 21 Challenge has really helped me stay grounded, stay happy & remember that: We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day. Richard G. Scott

"As many of you have expressed, this 21 Challenge has blossomed into something more than you would have imagined.  some of you have said it's become a lifestyle.  some have noticed that it's flowed into other parts of your life. some have seen the value of consistency & have vowed to keep it going."

 
Well I'm not gonna lie either...this challenge has been HUGE and yes it has over-flowed into every part of my life. It has knocked me off my knickers, kicked off my socks and blown open Pandora's Box!  Some days I have felt a great sense of accomplishment and then others days I just want to QUIT already!  Then I remember that I have to be accountable to Rhonna and all the other 21ers AND to anyone who is reading my blog {I only hope that after reading these post I still have readers :}  Those of you who are still hanging on with me...I really appreciate all of your support and sweet comments because they have really helped me stay the course! 

Today and tomorrow we will be tackling the last frontier, my closet:

 

The {21} Purge: Day 17...Knocking Out My Knickers ;)

Today is Day 17 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is:
"This is not the time to give up. It's the time to stay strong. Believe in yourself.  You are made to succeed. Did you know that? You have it in you. Every single person does. Each of us are given a great potential...we just have to wade through all of the clutter that tends to gather around us through the years.  Weeding out the bad thoughts. The negativity. Anything that takes away from our growth.  And, when we get tempted to go back to our old ways...think: WHAT REALLY MATTERS?  GET RID OF THE CLUTTER. STOP.  STAY STILL & BE SURE TO LISTEN."

Boy when I started this PURGE I really didn't think it was going to be this hard!  AND now I know WHY I waited so long to deal with what was ALL UNDER...because truly... my Knickers were in a Knot...Drawer No. 1:

The {21} Purge: Day 16...It's Tootsie Time

 Today is Day 16 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is: "NEVER. NEVER. GIVE UP! Change is worth it. The things that are of the most worth are not easy. They come with a price. And you have to decide if you want it badly enough. Dig deep. deep down to your toes & muster up all of the strength, courage, & POWER you can!  & I promise you...it will be worth it."

 

Oh boy...I thought last week was tough...but this week is kicking my A@@!  Knowing that I have no one else to blame for this mess but...me, myself and I...doesn't make it any easier.  AND as much as I'd like to throw myself on the floor and throw a hissy fit...right now...I know that I just don't have the energy...or strength...to pick myself up if I did throw myself down on the floor...lol

Today we are tackling my tootsies once again...only this time it's not shoes...it's all the darn socks and hosiery that I've collected for the past 15 years...yikes!  I feel like Monty Hall on Let's Make A Deal...Inside Drawer No. 1 we have: white ankle/athletic socks...42 pairs to be exact...

The {21} Purge: Day 14...Don't Worry...Be Happy...

Today is Day 14 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is: "ok...get ready for the time to fly now...once we hit day 14...it seems like we are in turbo speed.  Before we know it, we'll be at day 21....really!  so...hang in there!  and...if you are not where you want to be..i have this for you:  LET GO OF SELF CRITICISM.  LOOK AT IT FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE.  AND  BE HAPPY.  Sometimes things don't go the way we plan.  And that's OK! The trick is to BE HAPPY during this process.  Focus on the good. We can do this...it's a roller coaster ride, I know...but, we can do this.

Being flexible is the key to getting happy during this process because...as the saying goes..."while you are making plans, life happens"!  I thought that I was all done with my purging the stuff under my bed, like yesterday all ready...but nope still got a few more things to deal with ;)

It's partially my own fault because once I emptied the second space bag of all my pj's and slips then I started thinking...well...I have that space under my bed and I have no more bins or room in the attic...Soooo...what am I gonna do with it now?

The {21} Purge: Day 13...PJ's in Space?

Today is Day 13 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is..."awwww. day 13.  can you feel it?  isn't it getting easier?  The light is at then end of the tunnel...we are coming out of the 2nd week that is notorious for being difficult!  So, today's thought:  YOU ARE AMAZING.  just the way you are.  This is something I believe we need to tell ourselves. all. of. the. time.  We can't forget our potential to do great things. We must keep focused on being our best self...those little doubts may creep in...but, do NOT let them get you!

Well I feel AMAZING because today is my last day for purging the stuff under my bed!  Woo Hoo~and I just love the fact that it is on Day 13...cause anyone who knows me...knows how I feel about the No. 13~it's my lucky, very significant, and absolute favorite number ;)

So I saved Space Bag No. 2 for last...and even thought it is labeled...

The {21} Purge: Day 12...Full Steam Ahead!

Today is Day 12 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is to remember: "This is a monumental time...it's usually the time that we start to lose our steam in The 21 Challenge.  We are right in the middle & sometimes forget to IMAGINE THE END RESULT. This is critical to your success. You must envision what you will look like. feel like. be like.  at the end of Day 21. You can do this...You are doing it!  Do not give up now!  Find something that will inspire you. Do something that will make you happy."

So...I'm not going to let myself loose any steam now that I've made it this far...and today we're finishing up the sweater purge by moving onto my Winter Sweaters.

 

The {21} Purge: Day 11...Hump Day!

Today is Day 11 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is to celebrate that we've made it to the half-way mark..."It's HUMP day...you guys deserve a huge pat on the back....it's time to FEEL JOY.  BE PATIENT. BE CALM. HAVE PEACE.  SPRINKLE MAGIC. IMAGINE. FOLLOW YOUR HEART.  BE YOU.  Each of you are experiencing different things...doing the challenge differently & really learning a lot! our halfway mark.  It's HUMP day... you guys deserve a huge pat on the back....it's time to FEEL JOY.  BE PATIENT. BE CALM. HAVE PEACE.  SPRINKLE MAGIC. IMAGINE. FOLLOW YOUR HEART.  BE YOU. "

Well, I have to say that knowing that I have reached the half-way point in this challenge is something that I am very grateful!  This week has been tough and I won't lie about it...many times I walk into my bedroom and just have this overwhelming desire to shut the door and not go back in...lol  BUT I am a determined (some would say stubborn ;) person and I don't like to back down or quit something once I've started.  NOW seeing the light at the end of the tunnel has given me a big boost of energy and motivation to get' er done!

The {21} Purge: Day 10...Sticking With It

Today is Day 10 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is to remember that: "Sticking with things for 21 days is difficult. I know that.  But, guess what?  Life's passing by.  21 days are passing by. And if we say, 'I'll do it when...'or...'After XYZ happens, I'll do it'...or...'I'll wait until then next round of The 21 Challenge.'  You can do this, 21ers! WE can do this!  No waiting. Let's do it NOW!"

Purging everything under my bed has required that I remind myself of this REPEATEDLY!!!  Ahhhh...what did I get myself into...so many times I've been tempted to just put it all right back under my bed!!  THAT is why I've out-ted myself here on my blog and decided to post about this challenge so that I'd be FORCED to finish what I've started...amazing how accountable you can be when someone is watching you...lol

The {21} Purge: Day 9...Be Kind To Yourself

Today is Day 9 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message today is to remember that:  "It's important to BE KIND TO YOURSELF during this process..this journey. From reading a lot of your comments...many of you do not feel like you are successful. or that you deserve to be successful. This is where the kindness needs to start...please, please, please believe that you are...worth it. You deserve it because I believe that you are on this earth with a special purpose. Do NOT listen to those voices that tell you the lie that you are not worth it. BE KIND TO YOURSELF & meditate, pray, tell yourself & please listen. really listen. You are awesome!"

Boy did I need to hear this after the horrible experience I've had with my laptop being hacked and an awful virus that looked like a security program almost destroyed my laptop all-together!  The jerks also got into my AOL email account...which is my dumb mistake because I clicked the "remember me" box and that's how they walked right in and took all my emails since last June.  WHICH resulted in a massive email spam to anyone whom I've had contact with since last June.  THEY then proceeded to WHIP OUT all of my history since last June as well.  I'm so thankful for my sons and DH for quickly fixing and eliminating the extremely aggressive virus from my laptop and for restoring all my files ;)  ALSO thankful for AOL's  customer support in helping me to stop all the SPAM emails that were being released with my AOL address.  For anyone who had received any of these spam emails, please accept my apologies for my dumb moves in aiding these hackers...believe me it's a lesson that I have learned and will never repeat this mistake again.  It is believed that this virus/hacker came from a coupon printing program that I downloaded a few weeks ago.  It lay dormant until I shut off my laptop and then became activated.  I don't usually shut down my laptop because we have a sleep mode that protects the memory, however, we were traveling and I shut it down this weekend.  Now all is restored and I can get back to what is important...blogging about my PURGE ;)

The {21} Purge: Day 8...Choosing Wisely

Today is Day 8 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message is about CHOOSING WISELY.  She reminds us..."Do NOT give in to those little demons...choose to turn it around. The power comes from within YOU!  Focus outward...& you will be blessed inward.  Attitude of gratitude, friends. It works!"  Which after the big job that I took on yesterday in purging my Lingere...translates today in my choosing to purge something that wasn't going to take me the entire day...cause I do have a life to live...that and the fact that my achin' body needed a rest ;)

Remember this picture that I took the other day from under my bed?   Well if you look closely you'll see a bright bag peaking out of the top of the black wicker basket...

The {21} Purge: Day 7...What's In Pandora's Box?

Today is Day 7 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's message is to Stay Strong!  To: "Remember the importance of your goals. Sometimes at about the 1 week mark, when we enter the 2nd week...we tend to get tired or feel burned out....Just think of how many days you've come so far. You do NOT want to start all over again, right?  This is why your ONE goal is so great...let me take you back to day one.  You were excited. Fired up.  Don't let that fire burn out.  You have NOT come 1 week into this to quit, right?  If you're not going to conquer NOW when will you?  It.is.time....time to focus on yourself & becoming your best you."

Stay the course! (love that line from the Patriot ;) Finish what you started! (my kids hated me when I told them this ;)  What's the matter with you...got your panties in a wad? (sorry just had to throw that in there since it's kinda relative to today's purge ;)

SO...in an attempt to finish what I started when I pulled out EVERYTHING from under my bed...I pushed all the crates over to one side in my bedroom.  Remember yesterday I stated that I would probably start with purging all those sweaters and turtlenecks in those crates?   WELL...curiosity got the best of me and I OPENED PANDORA'S BOX!  Remember...Space Bag No. 1...the one with NO LABEL?

For those of you who are easily offended...OMG...LOOK AWAY...it's hideous!

WFMW: Stikki Clips...Stick to ANYTHING...just like boogers ;)

Works-for-Me Wednesday is a weekly blog link hosted by Kristen of, We are THAT Family and this week she is sharing a great blog business opportunity with everyone.  So be sure to hop on over and check out her post and be sure to leave a comment and let her know that Roberta sent you.

Today I'm taking a short PURGE break so that I can show you all what sticks to ANYTHING...just like boogers do ;)  Works-for-Me are Stikki CLIPS...

I have been using them for years and you can find them in office supply stores like Office Max or on-line and much cheaper here: Teacher's Discovery

Many of you are probably scratchin' your heads right now...and askin' yourselves..."okay what's the big deal and why does she refer to them as boogers?...Which by the way is really gross!"

WELL I've always referred to them as "boogers" because it was an inside joke in our office once and after that it was just easier to call them that AND just like boogers...THEY STICK TO EVERYTHING...and really...they don't harm your surfaces...just like the package description tells you ;)

The {21} Purge: Day 6...Biting off more than I can chew...In One Day That Is!

Today is Day 6 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's motivation is to remember that:  "YOU ARE OF GREAT WORTH.  I truly believe this. And...it is your heritage to be happy.  I believe we are all children of God & He has a plan for us.  And struggling is part of it. Because we grow. We become stronger.  And through that...we become happier. We learn that we CAN be happy no matter what our circumstance is. We have that choice. We can choose to be happy."

Well...I have to admit that I was feeling pretty sorry for myself yesterday...after my shoe funeral and ALL ;[  Then I read Rhonna's post this morning and soon after discovered (by divine intervention I'm sure ;) this wonderful post by Gussy: {"My feet are off the ground"}   After which I had a huge headache from all the tears of shame I was feeling for being so darn dramatic about my darn shoes!  Give me a break...so I whipped my self into shape and just got my head around it and CHOSE TO BE HAPPY...but more importantly to be thankful for all that I have!

The {21} Purge: Day 5...Endurance will be key!



Today is Day 5 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's motivation is to SEIZE EVERY OPPORTUNITY to become your best self. This is it. The days are whizzin' by no matter what. And we are on day FIVE!  Celebrate your successes. Learn from your mistakes. And either way...you are becoming your best self!"

Then this morning when I got up and checked my email and read my horoscope:

Hello Roberta, your Horoscope for Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Leo Jul 23-August 22

Some days are sprints, other day are marathons and today could fall into either category.  It all depends on your energy level.  Things are uncertain right now, so if you're feeling tenative, you'll be in for a glacier's pace to your day.  Small energy bursts might pop up here and there, but overall it will be snoozy.  However, if you wake up feeling full of conviction, this day will surge forward and you'll have to do your best to hold on. Endurance will be key! 

How appropriate...because when I woke up...every muscle in my body was screaming...Stay In Bed!  Not only was my body aching BUT my emotions were full of dread ;(   Probably because I knew that I'd have to deal with Purging My Shoes!  I can rationalize the hell out of WHY I need to purge them...BUT still doesn't prepare me for the reality of getting rid of them.  As I go through them I can remember when I bought them; why I bought them; when I wore them; when I wanted to wear them; and how I felt when I wore them ;)  So sad...I felt like I was going to my own shoe funeral...ridiculous I know...after all...they are only SHOES ;)

The {21} Purge: Day 4...These shoes are made for walkin'...

Today is Day 4 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's motivation is to "have an attitude of gratitude because when we do it gives us HOPE".  AND to help us remember this, Rhonna has a special gift for all of us 21'ers to keep us inspired.  How sweet is that ;)

 

 So here is an update on my progress for Day 3:  first I purged all of the expired coupons that remained in my coupon caddy...or my coupon basket ;)

 

The {21} Purge: Day 3 Cutting Coupons

Today is Day 3 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's motivation is to remember that:  "This is the weekend & it's normal to feel like: What? This is harder than I thought?  You may start fighting against it...you may start rationalizing & saying: Ahh..I don't have time for this. or I just can't do this.  If you have felt that...or even fallen off the wagon...it's not the first time someone has at day three.  Don't worry.  Pick yourself back up. Dust yourself off. & recommit!  FIGHT FOR IT. NOT AGAINST IT."

Which to me translates to:  Keep on'a truckin'...remember those cartoons from the 70's...

 Probably dating myself here...ha!  Don't care cause...I'm gonna... Keep on'a truckin'  ;)  Image from here.

The {21} Purge: Day 2 Clearing Out Magazines

Today is Day 2 of The {21} Purge and Rhonna's motivation is to remember that: "Nothing that is worth it comes overnight. That's just not how things work. We tend to get caught up in the 'immediate gratification'. But, in order to see the success to what is really worth it...WE MUST PAY THE PRICE."  

Which to me translates to:  JUST DO THE WORK!

 

So here is an update on my progress for Day 1:  last night I made great progress on purging my Google Reader and brought it down from 511 blogs to:

...WOO HOO! 212 Subscriptions...how cool is that!

 

The {21} Purge: Day 1 Clearing Out My Google Reader

Today is Day 1 and Rhonna's inspirationis: to envision how you want to feel on Day 21.  Well after completing this challenge I can see myself feeling very relieved!  That's because I will have reduced my clutter and eliminated the stress and anxiety that goes along with what is required to "maintain" my stuff.  To help me with this challenge I am referring to VIRGOMAN: Andrew Mellen the guru of Creating Order out of Chaos.  Specifially to an article that he wrote back in August of 2008 in OPRAH magazine: 12 Way to Unclutter Your Life.

As far as creating my journal, well I'm keeping that real simple by simply using a pocket portfolio and my pocket calendar for the month of November.

How to Purge your "Stuff" in 21-Days!

Make a commitment and sign up for Rhonna's 21-Day Challenge...that's how :)

 

Last year I joined Rhonna's The {21} Challenge to get in the habit of creating everyday...and it really inspired and motivated me to complete this Art Journal.   Then, this summer, along with some other blogging friends, I started my own 21-Day Challenge to complete another art journal.  Again, I was very successful in completing everything that I had set out to do for this Art Journal.

 

For those of you that are new to this process...here's the skinny:

 

1. Choose 1 habit you want to make or break in the 21 days.

*we'll end on Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S.*

Note: be specific with your goal/habit and narrow it down so that it's do-able ;)

2. Choose an art journal of some kind. old book, notebook, scrapbook, sketch book...something! 

OR you can make your own book from the kit that Rhonna has designed: NEW House of 3 21 Challenge kit.  Rhonna has done MANY of these challenges in the past and she has found that... "sometimes you don't have the time to do a full blown art journal, but you do need 5 min. of creative time....a small canvas is much more do-able at times.  But, you may choose to have a larger book..whatever inspires you!"

 
3. On Friday, November 5th meet back at Rhonna's blog for your daily motivational coaching!  Rhonna will have art from the kit plus quotes, motivation & a kick in the can for you! *and me*

Centsational Girl's 'Mom Cave' Link Party: My Ultimate Fantasy Space

The ONLY closet here at the Love Shack...

CLEARLY We Have A Winner!

Congratulations Cortney you are the winner of the Modular Mates ® II Giveaway!

Hello! It's me...Carl's friend is over and let me use his laptop. YAY! I made it just in time for you giveaway. I am obviously a folower and I just signed up for the new e-mail subscription. I also posted a link on my side bar about the giveaway. I hope a lot of my peeps come over and check it out. I can imagine using these in my classroom for all the snack food that I keep stocked for the kids. I always have open bags of chips, pretzels, marshmellows, skittle, gummy bears...and so on and I'm sick of all the bags. I need these!!! Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway!

Posted by: Cortney Lyon | October 09, 2010 at 01:21 AM

Cortney is receiving this set of slightly-loved, Modular Mates® and I'm so happy that everyone appreciated another one of my GREEN GIVEAWAYS!  Cortney I'm sending you an email so that I can get these shipped out to you asap, so that you can CLEARLY organize your cabinets.  I want to thank everyone who participated and to welcome you all as the newest subscribers to my blog. 

Almost forgot to pick a winner today because I've been so busy working on this fun project!

 
SHHH....don't tell anybody...it is TOP SECRET...

How about you...what are you working on for today's Wednesday's Workshop?

Cause inquiring minds want to know...leave a comment and a link back to your blog post :)

Fondly, Roberta

 

Clearly The Best Storage: Modular Mates II Giveaway

 

  

  

  

  

  

 

Work-for-Me Wednesday is a weekly blog link hosted by Kristen of, We are THAT Family

 

 Fall is officially here now which means that I am spending more time in the kitchen preparing all of our favorite heart warming meals and yummy desserts.  Which is why I am so thankful for having the perfect storage system for all my dry food storage and spices in Tupperware Modular Mates™.  Being able to find what I need at a quick glance into my cupboards and pantry  Works-for-Me!  Previously I have demonstrated how they can work for you in this WFMW post and now I want to continue to get you motivated with another special subscriber Tupperware Modular Mates™ II Giveaway.

CLEARLY We Have a Winner!

Announcing Debbie Rice as the winner of the Modular Mates® Four Square Giveaway!

 subscribed!! you know me and tupperware.... !

Posted by:  Debbie Rice | September 09, 2010 at 07:59 AM

 

Debbie is receiving this first set of slightly-loved, Modular Mates® and I'm so happy that everyone appreciated my GREEN GIVEAWAY!  Debbie I'm sending you an email so that I can get these shipped out to you asap, so that you can CLEARLY organize your cabinets.  I want to thank everyone who participated and to welcome you all as the newest subscribers to my blog. 

In the near future, I would love to do some more giveaways like this because I have many more slightly- loved Modular Mates® sets to offer.   So please, leave me a comment, right here on this post and let me know if you would like to see more GREEN GIVEAWAYS!

Fondly, Roberta

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Clearly the Best Storage & A Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work-for-Me Wednesday is a weekly blog link hosted by Kristen of, We are THAT Family

For many people, fall is a great time to take stock of your kitchen cupboards and to organize your pantry.  How many times have you reached for your favorite cereal in the morning, only to find an empty box placed back in the cupboard?  Or how many of you have gone to make dinner and find that your favorite muffin mix has bugs...eewwwhhhh :{  Disqusting I know...but that is what happens when you bring home those boxes from the grocery store and put them in your kitchen cupboards...you run the risk of bringing home some of the store's fringe benefits!  That is because the bugs live off of the GLUE that is used to seal the boxes, as well as eating any exposed contents. 

But you can eliminate this pesky problem all-together and build your perfect storage system by transferring your dry food storage into Tupperware Modular Mates™.  Works-for-Me and I am going to show you how they can work for you this WFMW and help you get started with a special subscriber Tupperware Modular Mates™ Four Square Giveaway.

Photo of the pantry in our former apartment. 

Typical Tuesday: Trays & Cutlery Boxes

One of my 13 Favorite Solutions for Storing in Style are Trays and that is why I have listed them as my number one favorite item on my sidebar pages:

 

Metamorphosis Monday: New Studio Desk

71st Metamorphosis Monday!

Been real busy re-organizing my "studio area" here at the Love Shack this past week.  It's funny how your priorities change after you have lived in a space for a while and you realize that the life you "envisioned" for yourself in your new space is just not "living up" to what you expected!  Case in point here at the Love Shack...our dining/eating area...

Above is photo of this area right after we had the hardwood floors done with our round dining table and contractors light fixture...soon to be replaced...

AND...after we moved in you can see my hutch, wing chairs and chandelier.  Well as you can see it became very crowded once we tried to put all of our furniture in.  At one point we had the round table centered under the chandelier and the wing chairs were placed on either side of the table and DH and I could actually have a very romantic dinner for two.  BUT the reality was...we just didn't do this often enough to justify keeping the arrangement...we prefer to sit outside on the patio or in our reclining love-seat together.  I started calling the Love Shack my furniture museum!  I knew that I just had to get my head around parting with some more furniture, so the wing chairs and my white damask love-seat have gone on to Consignment 1st to be sold.

The other issue was that I missed having a permanent studio desk to work on my art journals or memorabilia...a space where I could leave my projects out while I worked on them.  Especially since we do not have that many visitors here so it would not become an eyesore.  So I started thinking about how I could set up desk and I found a great solution last week when I got an email from IKEA informing me about new lower prices for this year and found these versatile bookcases:

 
AND I got to thinking about the piece of glass that I had in storage and how two or three of these bookcases would make a great base for the glass to make a great work desk...So I drove to Charlotte and met my sister and son at IKEA and loaded up three of them in my car :D  Of course we stayed for dinner and ate some swedish meatballs...yum!  Spent the night at my sisters house and got up early the next morning and got back home to Raleigh because I just couldn't wait to put these together...of course DH did all the work :D  

 
AND now I have a great big, beautiful desk...no more excuses now...lol  Previously I had used this glass on top of two filing cabinets that I had sewn a decorative cover for but we just didn't want to drag the steel cabinets out of storage and risk scratching up the new wood floors.  Also I liked the idea of the OPEN cubes to visually keep the space open...which after putting it together I'm really happy with.

Here you can see my desk chair which we also pulled out of storage and NOW I have to make a new slip cover for...lol...always something!  I will be making a black and cream toile cover that matches the curtains that I made for the red cupboard and some of the kitchen appliances.

Here is a close look at the bookcase that sits to the back of the desk and it holds two new zippered vinyl cube organizers that I also picked up at IKEA for only $7.99 each...cool beans :D  Here is a close-up of one that holds "projects" that I'm working on and that I store in individual project bags to keep it all together for the next time I feel inclined to work on one of them...

The other bin holds folders from workshops that I've taken on-line or in person and I keep all the instructions and clip-art, etc. inside of sheet protectors in portfolios for quick reference...

Also in the back bookcase you can see on the left, top a case that holds my sewing machine for fabrics and an ephemera case.  Next to that cube on the right are several 12x12 envelopes of patterned papers, chipboard, stickers, templates, etc. 

The bookcase on my right holds my took-kit and two more ephemera organizers...here's a close-up...

 
This case pulls right out when I need it here at home or for a class/workshop.  On the left side you can see more of the clear plastic envelopes that I love to use with my label machine to sort my card-stock by design/vendor and keep my projects organized...

 
In the bottom cube I've placed a leather box/cube that I already had to store magazines in and the next photo shows the outside of this bookcase so you can see the additional storage that is hidden from the inside view of the desk.

In these outside cubes we are storing more magazines...I subscribe to many woman's, decorating and art magazines and DH subscribes to several of his own for golf and computers.  Next to the desk is another bookcase that we already had for the living-room area and this acts as an end table for DH's side of our reclining love-seat...and then stores all my acrylic paints in these photo storage boxes.

On the other side of the desk I have two more of these cubbies tucked out of view for more ephemera and paper storage.  In this area I also stash a set of file cubes that hold hanging file folders where I sort clip-art and current workshop notes and inspiration.  The bottom file crate holds my bills...yuck!

 
 
 Another great benefit of placing my desk in this area is that it sits right next to my red cupboard...

Remember how I showed you all how I made these toile curtains to "hide" all my craft storage to keep things neat and tidy...lol  Here's a view of this cupboard without the curtains...yikes...

But I so love this red cupboard...I've had it for years and it offers so darn much storage!  The bottom shelf holds some plastic drawer to sort items...lots of memorabilia for my albums actually!  Then the next two bottom shelves hold Amy Butler fabric baskets with loads of pockets and I assign a function to each bag and tag it accordingly...see the key tags below...

The next two shelves hold some wooden and leather bins/buckets that sort my many journals and notecards.

 
Then on the top shelf I've tucked my green vinyl cases and white basket that hold floss caddies in which I sort more ephemera...remember I showed you all the details in this post...while the green photo boes hold punches, bags and art easels.

Usually though I do not take the curtains off all-together...instead I just pull out the bottom tension rods and "hitch-em on up" so that I can see the bottom shelves...because these are the items that I use the most.

 
For those who are wondering...the black baskets on top of the red cupboard hold my ETSY shop items as well as some fabrics and ribbons...which are all light-weight and are easy to get up and down off the top of this tall cupboard. 

My round covered table was not banned with the wing chairs and love-seat...no way...

I found a way to re-purpose this table in the living-room area near the entrance.  Originally, my white damask love-seat sat here and all-though it "fit"...it was just too stuffy and crowded feeling.  So now we have this lovely round table set up here to catch our keys as we come in the door and to hold our current books that we are reading.  Then...with the two stools sitting next to the table...it appears as a "library" table...ohh la la.  AND the bonus is that if DH and I still want to have a romantic dinner for two...WE CAN...I just bring in our wicker chairs from the patio and we can still have a lovely meal together here at the Love Shack.

Boy...I know this was a long post, but I was so excited to show you all the great aspects of my new studio desk...and I hope this has inspired you all again to think about how you use your space and to re-purpose your furniture...as well as to get oranized!

Also, make sure you all hop on over to Susan's blog, Between Naps on the Porch, and see all the great links for the 71st Metamorphosis Monday! and maybe someone can help Susan find a new globe for her Smith & Hawken candle chandelier :D 

Metamorphasis Monday: New Kitchen Tile & Faucet

Susan of Between Naps on the Porch, is hosting her 66th Metamorphosis Monday, today and she has an awesome new "Picture" linking tool that she is using to link everyones blog posts this week...so be sure to hop on over and check it out...cool beans :D

My post for this week's Metamorphosis Monday is actually a continuation of last week's post for tiling back-splashes...last week I showed you the bathroom and this week it's the kitchen...

Back in January, when we first started moving into our Love Shack, I had gone shopping at IKEA and really loved their rail systems and couldn't wait to put them up!

 
We made the final move in March, un-packed and found a spot for everything in the kitchen.  As you can see in the above photo, I was using the new rails to 1.) hold those items that we used every day out where they would be handy, as well as, 2.) help keep things up off the counters for fast cleaning.

Then...after actually living here for a few months...we decided to have the back-splashes tiled. However, upon getting estimates from the contractors, we soon learned that the "rails" were going to cost more than they were worth keeping.  That is...because the tile installers would have to either hand-cut tiles to fit around the rails or we could take them down and put them back up by drilling holes in the new tiles...NOT...

So now that we have the back-splashes all finished...I simply love how it looks without the rails!  Like I said...sometimes you have to live it before you can be sure if it is going to work for you or not...and the rails just looked too cluttered and I still had stuff on the counters...too funny!

 
In the above photo, you can see that we even had the wall next to the dishwasher tiled.  I love it so much...this wall was constantly being splashed as you loaded and unloaded the dishwasher...and now it is so easy to simply wipe off the tile!

Here you can see how we had originally placed the hanging spice rack next to the stove...

...AND then once we moved in...I placed the toaster, bread box and butter here as well.  The spice jars were filled and measuring spoons and other cooking utensils were hung from the additional rail hooks.

The walls behind this stove area were the worse for wear and they really needed the tiled back-splash because of all the grease and other cooking spatters that dotted the drywall.  I also prefer to have my pot-holders handing on magnetic hooks here on the side of the refrigerator and I moved the toaster because I didn't want to set the pot-holders on fire!

Previously I had hung my pot-holders on a rail on the right side of the stove...and the only other use that I could find for the rail was to hold a couple of cutting boards...I have way too many cooking utensils to even think about handing them on the rail like they showed in the IKEA showrooms...

See how clean this wall looks now...we had the tile installers put the tile all the way out to the edge of the counter/wall area...more protection from food splashing and it makes the space visually look bigger because it runs behind the stove and your eyes are not longer stopping or breaking there.

So you know what happens when your change/fix/improve one thing in a room...you see all the other things that you need to change/fix/improve...oh yeah!  Here it was the kitchen faucet...it was the original contractor's cheap install with a tap for hot and a tap for cold and a low faucet that you could barely put a pot under to fill or rinse when washing...

...so now we have a lovely, all-in-one faucet. with a single hot/cold tap that is high enough to fill a pot or to rinse a big pan...but not too tall (I do not care for the new look of the commercial faucets that some designers are putting in kitchens), and with the sprayer built right into the faucet/tap.  Then the old spayer hole is "plugged" with a new dish soap dispenser...just the best :D

 
Originally I loved having my mugs handy for morning tea or afternoon coffee and taking down the rails meant having to reconfigure things in the cupboards...appliances like my blender and food processor now had to be brought oout to make room for the mugs and spices.  But I was okay with that as well because it gave me the excuse to sew appliance covers...remember those?

 
I'm making a few in a lovely black and cream toile...which looks so lovely with my red accents...oh la la!  Just like my bathroom here at the Love Shack!